Kawasaki's middleweight street bike, the Z650 (ER-6n replacement)

v12 · 9th November 2016, 18:59

Replacing the ER-6N that preceded it, the Z650 features a steel trellis frame that weighs just 33lbs. This frame is also shared with the Ninja 650, and is painted in an H2R-like metallic green.
The 648cc engine has been given the same revisions as the Ninja 650 to make it Euro 4 compliant, and puts out an identical 68 hp, with strong midrange punch. The Z650 also retains the Ninja’s six speed transmission and assist & slipper clutch, which reduces lever effort and provides slipper clutch functionality.

Source : Cycleworld.com

Avinash_R · 10th November 2016, 10:45

Disappointed with the looks... Since it's been rechristened to a Z, was expecting real aggressive headlamps but they seem to have been very conservative. Kawasaki Z styling seems to have dropped a level from the Z800 and Z1000 we currently get to this and the Z900.

Turbo_Torq · 13th November 2016, 00:23

Brief unveil video of the new Z650

https://youtu.be/UEtThKlT4-M

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avinash_R

Disappointed with the looks... Since it's been rechristened to a Z, was expecting real aggressive headlamps but they seem to have been very conservative. Kawasaki Z styling seems to have dropped a level from the Z800 and Z1000 we currently get to this and the Z900.

Compared to the Z900, I'd say this has better styling in terms of aggression. We can't really blame the designers for carrying over the aggressive styling across all their lineup else everything would end up looking the same!

Avinash_R · 15th November 2016, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbo_Torq

Compared to the Z900, I'd say this has better styling in terms of aggression. We can't really blame the designers for carrying over the aggressive styling across all their lineup else everything would end up looking the same!

I dont want the same styling on all the bikes dude. What I meant was that Kawasaki ensured aggressive yet different styling w.r.t Z800 and Z1000. The headlamp on the Z650 looks like that of the new Apache. Since it has moved to the Z family, I was expecting much sharper styling. The whole body styling is from N650 so I wish they had invested a bit more time in the headlights. That's just my opinion though.

DeepakMenon · 16th November 2016, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avinash_R

I dont want the same styling on all the bikes dude. What I meant was that Kawasaki ensured aggressive yet different styling w.r.t Z800 and Z1000. The headlamp on the Z650 looks like that of the new Apache. Since it has moved to the Z family, I was expecting much sharper styling. The whole body styling is from N650 so I wish they had invested a bit more time in the headlights. That's just my opinion though.

I agree, but look at it this way, It is by miles better looking than the one it is replacing

AbhisheKulkarni · 28th November 2016, 16:49

The seat height of the Z650 would be very comfortable at 785mm and would offer a relaxed driving position wrt, the handlebars. The kerb weight is also pretty less now at 187 kg. A full 7 kilos reduction due to the fairing being shed I guess, along with some other bits and pieces. Handling could thereby be relatively better wrt. the Z650 and the power-to-weight ratio would also be superior.

Comparatively the seat height of the N650 '17 is 790 mm with a kerb weight of 193 kg. It seems like the handle bars are placed a little lower than the current N650, making the seating position a little more aggressive.

I'm considering both of these and seem to be an interesting proposition. The only striking difference that stands out is the styling - the Z650 would be lost in the crowd whereas the N650 would have presence.

Wondering how both would be to drive. And hope they launch all colours here, including the KRT scheme for the N650 and the black for the Z650. The white looks just weird for the Z. The full black looks best for a street naked.

9th November 2016, 18:59	#1
v12 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,739 Thanked: 7,213 Times View My Garage	Kawasaki's middleweight street bike, the Z650 (ER-6n replacement) Replacing the ER-6N that preceded it, the Z650 features a steel trellis frame that weighs just 33lbs. This frame is also shared with the Ninja 650, and is painted in an H2R-like metallic green. The 648cc engine has been given the same revisions as the Ninja 650 to make it Euro 4 compliant, and puts out an identical 68 hp, with strong midrange punch. The Z650 also retains the Ninja’s six speed transmission and assist & slipper clutch, which reduces lever effort and provides slipper clutch functionality. Source : Cycleworld.com
	(5) Thanks

10th November 2016, 10:45	#2
Avinash_R BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 404 Thanked: 1,255 Times	re: Kawasaki's middleweight street bike, the Z650 (ER-6n replacement) Disappointed with the looks... Since it's been rechristened to a Z, was expecting real aggressive headlamps but they seem to have been very conservative. Kawasaki Z styling seems to have dropped a level from the Z800 and Z1000 we currently get to this and the Z900.
	(2) Thanks

28th November 2016, 16:49	#6
AbhisheKulkarni BHPian Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Pune Posts: 156 Thanked: 311 Times	Re: Kawasaki's middleweight street bike, the Z650 (ER-6n replacement) The seat height of the Z650 would be very comfortable at 785mm and would offer a relaxed driving position wrt, the handlebars. The kerb weight is also pretty less now at 187 kg. A full 7 kilos reduction due to the fairing being shed I guess, along with some other bits and pieces. Handling could thereby be relatively better wrt. the Z650 and the power-to-weight ratio would also be superior. Comparatively the seat height of the N650 '17 is 790 mm with a kerb weight of 193 kg. It seems like the handle bars are placed a little lower than the current N650, making the seating position a little more aggressive. I'm considering both of these and seem to be an interesting proposition. The only striking difference that stands out is the styling - the Z650 would be lost in the crowd whereas the N650 would have presence. Wondering how both would be to drive. And hope they launch all colours here, including the KRT scheme for the N650 and the black for the Z650. The white looks just weird for the Z. The full black looks best for a street naked.
	() Thanks